Sharing knowledge, research, publications, statements and training pathways for its members. Promote the dissemination of knowledge and diagnostic capabilities on fibromyalgia and fibromyalgia syndromes, ensuring access to the new opportunities for therapy and rehabilitation now available from scientific research and for citizens living with the condition.
With these objectives, the Inter-society Working Group on Fibromyalgia was born, bringing together the expertise of the CReI (Collegio Reumatologi Italiani) and Simfer (Italian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation).
The Initiative
The birth of the Inter-society Working Group, a collaborative network between rheumatologists and physiatrists—the first of its kind in Italy—for integrated, continuous, person-centered care, was announced at the latest Simfer Congress, during the joint symposium “Fibromyalgia: from pathogenesis to rehabilitation,” moderated by Ernesto Andreoli (physiatrist and board member of Simfer, Coordinator of Congress Activities and ongoing professional development) and by Daniela Marotto (past-president of CReI), with the participation of experts from both scientific societies.
The group was formed following a shared intent among several professionals: Luis Severino Martin Martin (president), Crescenzio Bentivenga (scientific coordinator) and Daniela Marotto of CReI and Giovanni Iolascon (president), Antimo Moretti (treasurer) and Ernesto Andreoli (councilor) for Simfer. Together they will join forces, actions, projects and much more to effectively support the needs of people with fibromyalgia.
Responding to an Actual Need
The recent inclusion of fibromyalgia in the new LEA calls for a shift in clinical practice and culture, led primarily by the national health service (SSN), to respond effectively to these patients and their health conditions.
«It seemed strategic and natural – declared Daniela Marotto, past president of CReI – to initiate a joint fibromyalgia collaboration between the two major societies involved in patient management: the close relationship between rheumatologists and physiatrists is the “instrument,” both clinically and culturally, to support in a concrete and substantial way the needs, requirements, and new demands of fibromyalgia patients.
The formation of the group opens a new vision and approach to fibromyalgia: integrated, multidisciplinary, ensuring continuity and innovation. “Fibromyalgia – continued Giovanni Iolascon, president of Simfer – is a complex condition that requires a global, continuous, and person-centered approach. The physiatrist plays a crucial role in defining personalized rehabilitation pathways and contributing decisively to framing functional needs, managing chronic pain, promoting tailored therapeutic exercise, and educating the patient. The rheumatologist’s contribution is essential to overcome fragmented intervention models by building shared pathways that ensure appropriateness, continuity, and sustainability of care for people with fibromyalgia.”
In synergy, the two areas of expertise can make a contribution of great value to the management and care of the condition.
The Commitment of CReI-Simfer
The Intergroup will meet monthly with the following goals:
- ensure ongoing updates on the disease and the most appropriate and advanced therapies,
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monitor the proper implementation of the new LEA across regional territories,
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define inter-society best practices for managing fibromyalgia patients,
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provide a scientific-professional contribution to national and regional institutions and agencies for the proper care of fibromyalgia patients.
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